At the March 31 evening meeting of the Island Trees Board of Education, the board passed a resolution appointing James Parla as the new superintendent of schools effective July 1 of this year. Parla will be replacing Superintendent Richard N. Segerdahl, who will be retiring in June after having served as superintendent for the last 20 years.

Parla has been serving as the superintendent of the North Bellmore Elementary School District for the last seven years and has indicated that he is looking forward to expanding his responsibilities by assuming the responsibilities of a K-12 school district.

The Island Trees Board of Education worked closely with the SCOPE Administrative Search Team to review the numerous applications that resulted in an extensive interviewing process with nine finalists. After meeting on several occasions and carefully researching the supporting references, the board of education was very pleased to offer Parla a three year contract.

At the March 31 meeting, Parla was introduced to the residents and thanked the board of education for their support and confidence.

"It is an honor and a pleasure to have been offered this opportunity to assume the leadership of such a fine and stable school district," he said.